Pearls From Merle

Dearest Friends,

 It is our sixth month anniversary in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Gyngr and I are very excited about the New Year. Yes, we are getting more assimilated into the culture. We have eaten pasties with catsup and tried  thimbleberry jam; we've hit the cross country trails on skis at least once; we've Trolled Scooped, and Scooped, and Scooped with our PA shovels -- a great activity to get acquainted with our neighbors. Afternoons often find us at the Conglomerate Cafe which offers a wonderful assortment of soups and sandwiches made by Babette, the proprietor. It's got WiFi, meaning we can search the web and keep up with the news while downing a berry pie or cinnamon roll. Occasionally, we must stop at the 5th & Elm Coffee Shop noted for their great coffees and root beer floats (first found by us on following a bike ride in the summer time).

Here, the snow blower may just be man's best friend!! And I am very much attached to this machine which gets daily use. We haven't bought a Yooper Scooper, but see that this type of shovel is probably a cultural wisdom we must soon embrace.

In two months of winter, 152 inches of snow have fallen. So you know we aren't kidding about the wintry world of Calumet. Below is a before and after glimpse of winter here:

Our House In November 2008

 Our House In January 5th 2009

Neighbor's House in January 5th 2009

Kinda scary when you realize that we have four more months of winter waiting us!!!

As mentioned, to enjoy all this white splendor, both Gyngr and I have adventured out to try cross country skiing on the  Swedetown Trails --- located about a half of mile from where we live. I am told that falling is not abnormal for starters but I wish there were easier ways to getting up rather than laying on your back, throwing your feet straight in the air, turning both legs toward one side, and contorting your body to right yourself.

On the ministry front, the Life Outreach Center will soon be using our church facilities for pre-natal and post-natal parenting classes. Also we have begun a 12-step recovery Bible study for the men from the Phoenix House. God continues to work thru the Church to reach out to the community. Please pray for all our endeavors in 2009 including the men's and ladies' Bible study, the Youth Group and other GCF activities.

In HIS Love,

The McGees